Somerville House

Mary Somerville was a scientific writer and polymath at a time when women’s participation in science was widely discouraged. She studied Mathematics and Astronomy, and was nominated to be jointly the first female member of the Royal Astronomical Society at the same time as Caroline Herschel. This wasn’t an easy feat as she had to battle against many obstacles, including her own parents who blamed education for the death of her younger sister. However, she continuously persevered through these challenges and has created a lasting legacy for herself and all women in science. Mary Somerville was a pioneer for women in education and wouldn’t allow anything to stand in the way of her ambitions. It is this ethos, spirit and mentality that shapes Somerville house here at Harris Westminster Sixth Form.